Netflix Ups NBC TV Streaming Deal to Include Cable Shows

Netflix and NBC Universal Sept. 24 said they signed an expanded television streaming deal that for the first time offer subscribers access to USA Networks and Syfy cable channel programs.

Beginning next week, Netflix subscribers can stream all prior seasons of comedy “Psych,” drama “In Plain Sight,” as well as all seasons of “Monk,” starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub.

More than 75 prior season episodes of Syfy’s mainstay “Battlestar Galactica,” as well as prior seasons of the network’s popular series “Destination Truth” and “Eureka” are available for streaming for the first time.

In addition through 2012, day-after broadcasts of “Saturday Night Live,” last seasons (as well previous seasons) of “30 Rock,” “The Office” and “Law & Order: SVU,” in addition to prior seasons – and eventually next year’s final season – of “Friday Night Lights” will be available.

“This agreement adds meaningfully to the wide variety of content that can be streamed from Netflix and breaks new ground in our relationship with NBC Universal,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, in a statement.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the agreement extends to Netflix's new Canadian streaming service, which launched Sept. 22.

Separately, Roku Inc., which helped launch Netflix streaming on the “Roku Netflix Player” in 2008, has reportedly shipped its 1 millionth media player. In addition, the Saratoga, Calif.-based company dropped the price of its entry-level HD player to $59.99, and bowed the XDS model, which allows users for the first time to rewind programming up to 7 seconds.

The new Roku XD ($79.99) and XDS ($99.99) offer 1080p HD resolution (via HDMI cable) and wireless connectivity. In addition, the XDS model features dual-band wireless technology, component video output, optical audio output, and a USB port. Over USB, customers will be able to play stored music, photos, and up to 1080p video using a USB playback channel, available as a free upgrade to XDS owners (expected to be available in November 2010).